Configuration settings management in a network environment

ABSTRACT

A configuration resource automatically synchronizes configuration settings associated with one or more communication resources disposed in a respective subscriber domain. For example, a communication resource such as communication device operated by the subscriber initiates a change to configuration settings associated with a first communication resource disposed in a subscriber domain. The first communication resource notifies the auto-configuration resource of the new configuration settings applied to the first communication resource. The auto-configuration resource identifies one or more other communication resources disposed in the subscriber domain. To ensure synchronization of the communication resources in the subscriber domain, in response to receiving notification of the new configuration settings applied to at least one communication resource and the subscriber domain, the auto-configuration resource initiates modification of configuration settings associated with the one or more other communication resources in the subscriber domain.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of earlier filed U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/626,007 entitled “CONFIGURATION SETTINGSMANAGEMENT IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT,” filed on Feb. 19, 2015, the entireteachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional home wireless networks typically include multiplecommunication resources (such as one or more WiFi™ base stations)facilitating wireless communications with one or more mobilecommunication devices. For example, a conventional wireless network mayinclude: a first base station providing wireless coverage to a firstregion in a home environment; a second base station providing wirelesscoverage to a second region in the home environment; etc.

Each of the wireless base stations may be part of the same wirelessnetwork providing access to a corresponding remote network such as theInternet. Via communications through a selected one of the multiple basestations, a respective user of the mobile communication device in thehome environment is able to wirelessly communicate over the Internet. Incertain instances, the wireless base stations may support handoffs fromone base station to another. This typically requires settings of thewireless base stations to be synchronized to some extent.

Each of the multiple wireless base stations disposed in a respectivenetwork can be configured in a similar manner with the same orcomplementary configuration settings such that a user in the homeenvironment is able to connect to any of the multiple wireless basestations to access the Internet using a corresponding mobile device.Operating a wireless network using appropriate synchronizedconfiguration settings amongst the base station enables the respectiveuser to more easily use any of the base stations in the wirelessnetwork. As mentioned, synchronization of settings is typically requiredto support handoffs.

For any number of reasons, a head of household user may modifyconfiguration settings (such as an SSID, password, security mode,channel settings, radio settings, network address information, etc.)associated with the wireless network and corresponding base stations.

As a specific example, assume that a respective user would like to makea change to a configuration setting such as the name assigned to thewireless network and corresponding wireless base stations. Initially,assume that both the first base station and a second base station in thewireless network are assigned the same SSID (Service Set IDdentifier)value and reside within the same wireless network. In general, an SSIDvalue is a multi-bit character string indicating a name assigned to arespective base station in the wireless network.

To learn of the name assigned to the wireless network, the user of arespective mobile device may initiate transmission of a discoveryrequest to any of one or more base stations within wireless range. Inresponse to receiving the discovery request, each of one or more basestations that receives the discovery request responds (such as viabroadcast) with a respective SSID value indicating the name assigned tothe base station in the wireless network.

According to conventional techniques, the name of the wireless networkcan be changed. In order to modify the name assigned to the wirelessnetwork and each of the base stations according to conventionaltechniques, the respective subscriber in the subscriber domain mustmanually modify the respective name assigned to each of the basestations. For example, the user must first manually initiate changingthe SSID value associated with the first base station to a selected newname. Thereafter, in order to ensure synchronization of wireless networksettings, the user must manually change the SSID value associated withthe second base station to the selected new name as well.

In accordance with certain other conventional systems, wireless accesspoints in a respective wireless network communicate with each other toupdate configuration settings. However, this technique is not secure andprone to attacks by hackers.

Regardless of how the name of wireless network is changed, aftereffectuating the change of both base station SSID values to the commonselected new name, the user is able to connect to any of the basestations using a common setting. For example, the user can program arespective mobile communication device to connect with any wireless basestation assigned the new name. In such an instance, when a user requeststo establish a wireless connection with the wireless network, the mobilecommunication device automatically establishes the wireless connectionwith the network using a suitable one of multiple base stations assignedthe new name.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Conventional techniques of synchronizing configuration settings acrossmultiple communication resources in a wireless network suffer fromdeficiencies. For example, the requirement of having to manually modifysettings associated with each of multiple resources is time-consumingand prone to errors.

Embodiments herein deviate with respect to conventional techniques toprovide a more useful way of synchronizing configuration settings in arespective network environment.

More specifically, in accordance with one example embodiment, aconfiguration server resource receives input (such as one or morecommunications, messages, etc.) transmitted through a communicationinterface (such as a cable modem) of a subscriber domain. Assume in thisexample that the received input indicates modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access point(i.e., a first communication resource) disposed in the subscriberdomain. In one embodiment, the configuration server resource registers(keeps tack of) the configuration setting as being associated with thefirst wireless access point in the subscriber domain. Additionally, theconfiguration server resource identifies an identity of a secondwireless access point (i.e., a second communication resource) associatedwith the first wireless access point that happens to be disposed in thesubscriber domain. Thereafter, to synchronize settings of the firstwireless access point and the second wireless access point, theconfiguration server resource initiates configuration of the secondwireless access point in accordance with the configuration settingapplied to the first wireless access point and the subscriber domain.

Thus, embodiments herein include modifying configuration settingsassociated with a second communication resource in response to detectinga change to configuration settings associated with a first communicationresource.

In one embodiment, initiating configuration of the second wirelessaccess point can include communicating new configuration settings fromthe configuration server resource to the second wireless access point.In this manner, a configuration setting applied by a user in thesubscriber domain to configure a first wireless access point can be usedto automatically configure a second wireless access point.

In accordance with further embodiments, the configuration serverresource (such as management server operated by a cable network serviceprovider) is disposed at a remote location with respect to thesubscriber domain. The configuration server resource managesconfiguration settings associated with each of multiple subscriberdomains. Configuration of the second wireless access point in the aboveexample can include transmitting the newly learned configuration setting(detected as being applied to the first wireless access point) from theconfiguration server resource over a network and through thecommunication interface in the subscriber domain to the second wirelessaccess point (which also resides in the subscriber domain). In otherwords, assigning the configuration setting to the second wireless accesspoint can include transmitting an update command over the sharedcommunication link in a cable network through the communicationinterface of the subscriber domain to the second wireless access point.The second wireless access point uses the received update command tosynchronize its settings with the settings applied to the first wirelessaccess point. Accordingly, in response to receiving notification that afirst communication resource has been configured to a new setting, theconfiguration server resource as discussed herein automatically updatesconfiguration settings associated with a second communication resourcein a subscriber domain.

Note that the configuration setting applied to the first wireless accesspoint can be any suitable type of configuration information. Forexample, the configuration setting as indicated by received input canspecify a specific setting or any type of attribute such as an SSID,password information, security mode information, channel settinginformation, etc.

In yet further embodiments, any number of wireless access points such asboth the first wireless access point and the second wireless accesspoint communicate through the communication interface of the subscriberdomain to provide mobile communication devices in the subscriber domainaccess to a remote network through a shared communication link (such asa shared communication link provided by a cable network serviceprovider). The configuration server resource can be configured to keeptrack of which communication resources are in a respective subscriberdomain based upon detecting which of the communication resourcescommunicate through the same communication interface and the subscriberdomain. Embodiments herein include automatically updating configurationsettings associated with each of the wireless access points in thesubscriber domain in response to detecting a change of configurationsettings to only one of the communication resources in a respectivesubscriber domain.

In accordance with further embodiments, to synchronize settings in arespective subscriber domain, the configuration server resource can beconfigured to map an identity of a first wireless access point (whosesettings are changed) to a second wireless access point (or possiblyother access points) in the subscriber domain. The mapping function canbe achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the configurationserver resource can be further configured to process a received inputmessage originating from the subscriber domain to identify networkaddress information associated with the specific subscriber domain fromwhich the input message is received.

As a more specific example, in one embodiment, the configuration serverresource utilizes the network address information associated with amessage originating from the subscriber domain to identify that themessage was transmitted (such as from the first wireless access point)through the communication interface of the subscriber domain to theconfiguration server resource. Using the network address information orother suitable unique identifier value or information in thecommunications received from the subscriber domain, the configurationserver resource accesses subscriber information and/or configurationinformation associated with the subscriber domain. The configurationinformation indicates that the second wireless access point is alsodisposed in the subscriber domain. Accordingly, via the input messagereceived from the subscriber domain, the configuration server resourceis able to identify any of one or more additional wireless access pointsin the subscriber domain. As previously discussed, subsequent toidentifying one or more other communication resources to be updated inaccordance with newly applied configuration settings to a specificcommunication resource in the subscriber domain, the configurationserver resource communicates with the one or more additional wirelessaccess points to synchronize them with settings of the first wirelessaccess point.

In one example embodiment, to initiate configuration of the secondwireless access point based on the newly detected settings as specifiedby the received message, the configuration server resource transmits acommunication over the shared communication link through thecommunication interface of the subscriber domain to the second wirelessaccess point. The communication from the configuration server resourceincludes the configuration setting to be applied to the second wirelessaccess point. In one embodiment, the communication indicates toconfigure the second wireless access point using the same configurationsetting as was applied to the first wireless access point.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, it is not required that themessage indicating a configuration setting (for application to one moreresources) be received from a respective wireless access point in thesubscriber domain. For example, in one embodiment, the configurationserver resource receives a configuration message (including a specifiedconfiguration setting) from a web browser executing on a computer deviceoperated by a user in the subscriber domain. The web browser can be incommunication with the communication interface over a communication linkother than through the first wireless access point to the secondwireless access point.

As previously discussed, the configuration server resource can beconfigured to learn of the presence of one or more communicationresources in the subscriber domain in any suitable manner. In onenon-limiting example embodiment, the configuration server resourcedetects presence of a first wireless access point in the subscriberdomain based upon receipt of communications transmitted from the firstwireless access point through the communication interface. Theconfiguration server resource detects presence of a second wirelessaccess point in the subscriber domain based upon receipt ofcommunications transmitted from the second wireless access point throughthe communication interface. As previously discussed, configurationserver resource is able to inspect communications transmitted throughthe communication interface of the subscriber domain to identify thatsuch communications originated from the subscriber domain.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detailbelow.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one ormore computerized devices, controllers, set top boxes, servers, basestations, wireless communication equipment, communication managementsystems, workstations, handheld or laptop computers, or the like tocarry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosedherein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processorscan be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein tocarry out different embodiments of the invention.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any physicalcomputer readable hardware storage medium) on which softwareinstructions are encoded for subsequent execution. The instructions,when executed in a computerized device (e.g., computer processinghardware) having a processor, program and/or cause the processor toperform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typicallyprovided as software, code, instructions, and/or other data (e.g., datastructures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium such as an optical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk,hard disk, memory stick, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in oneor more ROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other suchconfigurations can be installed onto a computerized device to cause thecomputerized device to perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussedherein.

One or more embodiments herein include a computer readable storagemedium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. In accordancewith one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by computerprocessor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware (such as in amobile computer device) to: receive a communication indicating a newconfiguration setting, the communication received from a particularsubscriber domain over a communication link shared by multiplesubscriber domains; access subscriber information assigned to theparticular subscriber domain to identify that the particular subscriberdomain includes a first communication resource and a secondcommunication resource; and synchronize configuration settings of thefirst communication resource and the second communication resource inaccordance with the received new configuration setting.

Another embodiment herein includes a computer readable storage mediumand/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, whenexecuted by computer processor hardware, cause the computer processorhardware to: receive a communication transmitted through a communicationinterface of a subscriber domain, the communication indicatingmodification of a configuration setting associated with a first wirelessaccess point disposed in the subscriber domain; map an identity of thefirst wireless access point to an identity of a second wireless accesspoint also disposed in the subscriber domain; and initiate configurationof the second wireless access point in accordance with the configurationsetting.

The ordering of the operations above has been added for clarity sake.Note that any of the processing steps as discussed herein can beperformed in any suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor, or within an operating system or a within a softwareapplication.

As further discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited toautomatically update network configuration settings associated withcommunication resources disposed in a respective subscriber domain.However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited touse in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein arewell suited for other applications as well.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments hereinpurposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementallynovel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead,this brief description only presents general embodiments andcorresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. Foradditional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of theinvention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description sectionand corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a network environment andauto-synchronization of configuration settings according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of subscriber information according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of configuration information associatedwith corresponding subscribers according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating auto-synchronization ofconfiguration settings according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating a configuration notificationindicating auto-synchronization according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 and example diagram illustrating updating of configurationinformation associated with a subscriber domain according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating an alternative manner in whichto update configuration settings according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example computer architecture inwhich to execute any functionality according to embodiments herein.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are example diagrams illustrating methods according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND FURTHER SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In general, a configuration resource synchronizes configuration settingsassociated with one or more communication resources disposed in arespective subscriber domain. For example, a communication deviceoperated by the subscriber initiates a change to configuration settingsassociated with a first communication resource disposed in a subscriberdomain. The first communication resource (or other suitable resource)notifies the configuration resource of the new configuration settingsapplied to the first communication resource in the subscriber domain.The configuration resource identifies one or more other communicationresources associated with the first communication resource that are alsodisposed in the subscriber domain. To ensure synchronization of thecommunication resources in the subscriber domain, in response toreceiving notification of the new configuration settings applied to atleast one communication resource (such as the first communicationresource), the configuration resource initiates modification ofconfiguration settings associated with the identified one or more othercommunication resources associated with the first communication resourcein the subscriber domain.

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating anetwork environment according to embodiments herein.

As shown, network environment 100 includes shared communication link 191provided and managed by a respective cable network service provider. Viacommunications over shared communication link 191, each of multiplesubscriber domains 150 (subscriber domain 150-1, subscriber domain150-2, subscriber domain 150-3, etc.) are able to transmit data to andreceive data from network 190 such as the Internet. In one embodiment,bandwidth of the shared communication link 191 and corresponding datachannels are allocated for use by the different subscriber domains 150on an as needed basis.

Further in this example embodiment, subscriber domain 150-1 includescommunication interface 145 (such as part of a gateway resource)assigned a corresponding unique network address information BBCD. By wayof non-limiting example embodiment, the communication interface 145 canbe a cable modem facilitating communications over one or moreappropriate data channels of shared communication link 191 todistribution resource 126 (such as a cable modem termination system).

Subscriber domain 150-1 includes any number of communication resourcessuch as wireless access point 105-1, wireless access point 105-2, etc.

Each of the wireless access points 105 (communication resources) iscommunicatively coupled (via a wireless or wired communication link) tocommunication interface 145. As previously discussed, communicationinterface 145 facilitates communications over shared communication link191 to network 190. Each of the first wireless access point 105-1 andthe second wireless access point 105-2 provide mobile or stationarycommunication devices in the subscriber domain 150-1 wireless access tonetwork 190 through the communication interface 145.

In one embodiment, the wireless access points 105 support wirelesscommunications with one or more mobile communication devices insubscriber domain 150-1 in accordance with WiFi™ protocol. However, anysuitable wireless protocol can be used to support communications betweendevices in subscriber domain and the respective wireless access points105.

When transmitting communications from subscriber domain 150-1 in anupstream direction of the network environment 100, if desired, thecommunication interface 145 can be configured to encapsulate datapackets received from any of the resources in subscriber domain 150-1prior to transmitting such data packets over shared communication link191 upstream to distribution resource 126 (such as a cable modemtermination system). For example, in one embodiment, the communicationinterface 145 (such as employing cable modem functionality) wraps orencapsulates the data packets with delivery information facilitating atransfer of the data packets over communication link 191 to the upstreamdistribution resource 126. The upstream distribution resource 126removes the delivery information (encapsulation information) and furtherforwards the unwrapped data packets over network 190 (such as apacket-switched network). The network 190 such as the Internetfacilitates distribution of the data packets to appropriate destinationaddresses such as to any of one or more servers (such as server resource195-1, server resource 195-2, remote server 152, etc.) based ondestination information specified in the data packets.

In an opposite direction, communication interface 145 can receivedownstream-transmitted communications from one or more remote resources(such as server resource 195-1, server resource 195-2, remote server152, etc.) in network 190 over the shared communication link 191. Thecommunication interface 145 forwards the downstream communications to anappropriate wireless access point such as wireless access point 105-1,that, in turn, distributes the communications to the appropriate mobilecommunication device in subscriber domain 150-1 over a respectivecommunication link such as communication link 128-1.

In one embodiment, the distribution resource 126 can be configured toencapsulate communications received from network 190 and transmitcorresponding encapsulated data packets to the communication interface145. For example, the distribution resource 126 can receive a datapacket addressed for delivery to a specific communication device insubscriber domain 150-1. In such an instance, the distribution resource126 encapsulates the data packet with delivery information for deliveryof the data packet over the shared communication link 191 tocommunication interface 145. The communication interface 145 receivesthe data packet and removes the delivery (encapsulation) information andforwards the respective unwrapped data packet downstream to wirelessaccess point 105-1 for subsequent delivery over a corresponding wirelesscommunication link 128-1 to the target device such as mobilecommunication device 120-1, wireless access point 105-1, wireless accesspoint 105-2, etc.

Note that as an alternative to encapsulating data packets, note that thecommunication interface 145, shared communication link 191, anddistribution resource 126, etc., can be configured to support routing ofdata packets in accordance with any suitable client/server communicationprotocol.

Network environment 100 further includes remote server 152 executingconfiguration management resource 140. Configuration management resource140 has access to configuration information 170 associated with each ofthe subscriber domains 150. As further discussed below, theconfiguration information 170 can be configured to determine aconfiguration of each of the respective subscriber domains 150.

In accordance with further embodiments, the configuration information170 can indicate settings of the multiple subscriber domains 150. Thesettings as specified by configuration information 170 can be updatedany suitable manner. In one embodiment, the configuration managementresource 140 detects presence of the different communication resourcesin the subscriber domain 150-1 based on communications transmittedthrough the communication interface 145. For example, in one embodiment,upon installation of a respective communication resource in subscriberdomain 150-1, the respective communication resource communicates throughcommunication interface 145 to the configuration management resource140. In such an instance, the configuration management resource 140detects presence of the first wireless access point 105-1 in thesubscriber domain 150-1 based upon receipt of such communications. Theconfiguration management resource 140 updates the configurationinformation 170 to indicate that the respective communication resourceis operated in subscriber domain 150-1.

In one embodiment, the configuration manager resource 140 detectspresence of the first wireless access point 105-1 based oncommunications transmitted from the first wireless access point throughthe communication interface 145 to the configuration management resource140; the configuration management resource 140 detects presence of thesecond wireless access point 105-2 in the subscriber domain 150-1 basedupon receipt of communications transmitted from the second wirelessaccess point 105-2 through the communication interface 145 to theconfiguration management resource 140; etc.

As discussed herein, the configuration management resource 140 can beconfigured to determine which of the multiple subscriber domains 150 thecommunications are transmitted from based on analysis of the receivedcommunications. In one embodiment, communications transmitted from aparticular communication resource in the subscriber domain 150-1 willinclude unique information (such as network address information)indicating that the communications originated from the particularcommunication resource. Additionally, communications received fromsubscriber domain 150-1 can include unique information indicating thatthe communications were transmitted through the respective communicationinterface 145.

In one embodiment, the configuration management resource 140 obtainsnetwork address information from the received communications 110-2. Theconfiguration management resource 140 utilizes the network addressinformation to identify that the communications 110-2 are received fromthe particular subscriber domain 150-1.

As previously discussed, embodiments herein include proactivelysynchronizing configuration settings associated with a group of two ormore communication resources in the subscriber domain 150-1 such that arespective user 108 need not manually change settings to each of the twoor more communication resources in the group.

As a more specific example, assume that the user 108-1 operates mobilecommunication device 120-1 in subscriber domain 150-1. Mobilecommunication device 120-1 includes display screen 130 configured todisplay graphical user interface 125. The graphical user interface 125can be used to display any suitable information to the user 108-1. Viainput to mobile communication device 120-1, the respective user 108-1 isable to modify configuration settings associated with any of one or moreresources located in subscriber domain 150.

Assume further in this example that subscriber domain 150-1 includesmultiple access points 105 (wireless access point 105-1, wireless accesspoint 105-2, etc.) as previously discussed. Initially, each of thewireless access points 105-1 and 105-2 is included in a wireless networkassigned a first name such as NAME #1. In such an instance, each of thewireless access points 105-1 and 105-2 has an SSID equal to NAME #1.

In one embodiment, wireless access point 105-1 supports communicationswith resources within a first region of wireless coverage; wirelessaccess point 105-2 supports communications with resources within asecond region of wireless coverage; and so on.

In certain instances, the regions of wireless coverage may overlap suchthat wireless connections can be handed off from one wireless accesspoint to another as a respective user and corresponding communicationresource roam through the subscriber domain 150-1.

Because both wireless access points 105-1 and wireless access point105-2 are part of the same wireless network in this example, prior to aname change, the user 108-1 operating communication device 120-1 is ableto specify that the communication device 120-1 is to be connected to thewireless network named NAME #1. As further discussed below, thecommunication device 120-1 can be configured to detect presence of themultiple wireless access points 105 that are part of the network namedNAME #1. The communication device 120-1 selects which of the multipleaccess points 105 in the network named NAME #1 to establish a respectivewireless link.

As a more specific example, via one or more wireless signals transmittedby the wireless access point 105-1 wireless access point 105-2, thecommunication device 120-1 is able to detect which of the wirelessaccess points provides a strongest signal strength. If desired, thecommunication device 120-1 is able to select which of the wirelessaccess points 105 to establish a wireless communication link based onsignal strength.

Further in this example embodiment, assume that the user 108-1 operatingcommunication device 120-1 provides input to change configurationsettings 121-1 associated with wireless access point 105-1 (a firstcommunication resource). Further assume in this example embodiment thatthe user 108-1 modifies a respective name assigned to the wirelessaccess point 105-1. Specifically, assume that via communications 110-1,the user 108-1 changes the SSID associated with wireless access point105-1 from NAME #1 to NAME #2.

The wireless access point 105-1 receives the communications 110-1indicating to update the configuration settings 121-1. In response toreceiving the instructions as specified by communications 110-1, thewireless access point 105-1 updates configuration settings 121-1 toreflect the new name, i.e., NAME #2. In addition to modifying the (SSID)name associated with the wireless access point 105-1, a notificationapplication executing in the wireless access point 105-1 generatescommunications 110-2. Via notifications 110-2, the wireless access point105-1 notifies the configuration management resource 140 executing onremote server 152 that the respective configuration settings 121-1associated with wireless access point 105-1 have been changed via inputfrom user 108-1. The communication interface 145 receives thecommunications 110-2 generated by wireless access point 105-1. Thecommunication interface 145 forwards the communications 110-2 upstreamover shared communication link 191 to distribution resource 126.

As previously discussed, when forwarding communications 110-2,communication interface 145 can be configured to transform (add awrapper, add a network address associated with the communicationinterface 145, etc.) the originally received communications 110-2 fortransmission over shared communication link 191 to distribution resource126. In turn, distribution resource 126 further forwards thecommunications 110-2 to configuration management resource 140 in remoteserver 152.

In one embodiment, the communications 110-2 includes information suchas; i) network address information assigned to the wireless access point105-1 whose corresponding configuration settings 121-1 have beenchanged, ii) the specific changes made to configuration settings 121-1,iii) the model information of the wireless access point 105-1, iv)corresponding unique network address information assigned to thesubscriber domain 150-1, etc.

In one embodiment, unique information in the communications 110-2received by the configuration management resource 140 indicates that theparticular subscriber domain from which the communications aretransmitted. For example, the configuration management resource 140 isable to detect, via processing of received communications, whichcommunication interface (communication interface 145 in this example)and corresponding subscriber domain 150-1 from which the respectivecommunications are transmitted.

In this example embodiment, the unique network address information orother suitable information in the received communications 110-2indicates that the communications 110-2 originated from a communicationresource disposed in the subscriber domain 150-1.

During operation, the configuration management resource 140 processesthe received communications 110-2 to identify that the communications110-2 originated from subscriber domain 150-1. In other words, theconfiguration management resource 140 analyzes the receivedcommunications 110-2 (such as one or more messages) to identify aparticular subscriber domain (such as subscriber domain 150-1) amongstthe multiple subscriber domains 150 from which the message originated.

In addition processing the communications 110-2 and identifying that thecommunications 110-2 originated from a respective resource andsubscriber domain 150-1, the configuration management resource 140processes the received communications 110-2 and identifies that therewas a change to configuration settings 121-1. In other words, aspreviously discussed, the communications 110-2 indicate that there was achange to configuration settings 121-1.

In response to detecting the change to configuration settings 121-1 asspecified by the communications 110-2, via communications 110-3, theconfiguration management resource 140 accesses subscriber information160 and configuration information 170 in repository 180 to identifywhether one or more additional communication resource in the subscriberdomain 150-1 should be updated with the new configuration settings asspecified by the communications 110-2.

As previously discussed, this non-limiting example embodiment, the newconfiguration settings in the received communications 110-2 specifiesthat the user 108-1 or other suitable resource changed the SSID name ofwireless access point 105-1 from NAME #1 to NAME #2. As furtherdiscussed below, the configuration management resource 140 initiatesupdating of at least one other communication resource and the subscriberdomain 150-1 in response to detecting a change to configuration settings121-1 as specified by communications 110-2.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of subscriber information according toembodiments herein.

In one embodiment, the configuration management resource 140 maps uniqueidentifier information in the received communications 110-2 to theappropriate portion of subscriber information 160 associated withsubscriber domain 150-1. In other words, because it is known from whichsubscriber domain 150-1 (and potentially which particular resource insubscriber domain 150-1) originated the communications 110-2 such asbased on network address information in received communications 110-2,the configuration management resource 140 is able to identify specificportion (subscriber information 160-1) of subscriber information 160that corresponds to subscriber domain 150-1.

In this example embodiment, the subscriber information 160-1 associatedwith subscriber domain 150-1 indicates that: i) the subscriber domain150-1 (such as a home residence, business address, etc.) is located ataddress LOCATION #1, ii) that user 108-1 is the head of householdsubscriber associated with subscriber domain 150-1, iii) that subscriberdomain 150-1 is assigned account #15523456-12, that head of householduser 108-1 subscribes to service A (such as cable television), service B(such as Internet access), service D (such as WiFi™ anywherecapability), and service E (such as TV anywhere), iv) that configurationsettings associated with subscriber domain are stored in configurationinformation 170-1, etc.

In this example embodiment, the configuration management resource 140maps the received communications 110-2 to the appropriate configurationinformation 170-1 associated with subscriber domain 150-1. As furtherdiscussed below, among other things, the configuration managementresource 140 utilizes the configuration information 170-1 to identifyone or more other communication resources associated with wirelessaccess point 105-1 whose corresponding configuration settings are to beupdated based on a change of the configuration settings 121-1 aspreviously discussed.

In a similar manner, note that the configuration management resource 140is able to map communications received from any of the subscriberdomains to corresponding configuration information as indicated bysubscriber information 160. For example, in response to receivingcommunications from subscriber domain 150-2, the configurationmanagement resource 140 is able to map the received communications toconfiguration information 170-2 associated with subscriber domain 150-2.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of configuration information associatedwith a respective subscriber domain according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, the subscriber information 160 associated withsubscriber domain 150-1 indicated that configuration information 170-1pertains to and specify settings associated with subscriber domain150-1.

Subsequent to identifying that configuration information 170-1 pertainsto subscriber domain 150-1, and in response to receiving notificationfrom communications 110-2 that configuration settings 121-1 have beenupdated, the configuration management resource 140 processes theconfiguration information 170-1 associated with subscriber domain 150-1to identify a presence of a configuration of different types ofcommunication resources in the subscriber domain 150-1. In this exampleembodiment, the configuration management resource 140 processes thecommunications 110-2 to identify that the new configuration settings asspecified by communications 110-2 were applied to wireless access point105-1.

In one embodiment, configuration settings information 321-1 represents acopy of the configuration settings associated with resources insubscriber domain 150-1. Because communications 110-2 indicate a changeto configuration settings 121-1, the configuration management resource140 updates corresponding settings information 321-1 to reflect thechange associated with configuration settings 121-1 and correspondingwireless access point 105-1. Thus, in one embodiment, the configurationmanager resource 140 registers the new configuration settings asspecified by the communications 110-2 as being associated with the firstwireless access point 105-1 in the subscriber domain 150-1. In thismanner, the remotely stored settings information 321-1 associated withwireless access point 105-1 can be a backup or replica of configurationsettings 121-1.

Additionally, as previously discussed, the configuration managementresource 140 identifies other communication resources associated withthe resource whose configuration settings are to be modified based onmodification of configuration settings as specified by communications110-2.

In this example embodiment, via processing of configuration information170-1, the configuration management resource 140 identifies thatsubscriber domain 150-1 further includes wireless access point 105-2,which is part of the wireless network including wireless access point105-1. In furtherance of synchronizing settings associated with thefirst wireless access point 105-1 and wireless access point 105-2because they are part of the same wireless network, the configurationmanagement resource 140 initiates updating one or more configurationsettings (such as its SSID name) associated with wireless access point105-2 as further shown in FIG. 4 .

More specifically, FIG. 4 is an example diagram further illustratingauto-synchronization of configuration settings according to embodimentsherein.

As shown, in response to detecting that configuration settings 121-1have been modified as indicated by communications 110-2, theconfiguration management resource 140 generates and transmitscommunications 110-4 over network 190, through shared communication link191 and communication interface 145 to wireless access point 105-2. Thecommunications 110-4 originated by the configuration management resource140 notify the wireless access point 105-2 of the correspondingconfiguration settings that are to be updated such that the wirelessaccess point 105-2 is synchronized with the modifications ofconfiguration settings 121-1 associated with wireless access point105-1.

In accordance with modification instructions such as one or more updatecommands in the communications 110-4, the wireless access point 105-2modifies its corresponding configuration settings 121-2 (e.g., the SSIDname associated with wireless access point is updated to be NAME #2), tobe synchronized with respect to the new configuration settings appliedto wireless access point 105-1.

Thus, synchronizing configuration settings can include transmitting acopy of the new configuration setting applied to the wireless accesspoint 105-1 from configuration management resource 140 over network 190,shared communication link 191, and communication interface 145 to thesecond wireless access point 105-2. In one embodiment, the configurationmanagement resource 140 generates the communications 110-4 to specifythe particular network address (such as network address ABFC) to whichthe communications 110-4 are directed.

In furtherance of this particular example, in accordance with theinstructions set forth in the communications 110-4, the wireless accesspoint 105-2 updates its configuration settings 121-2 to indicate thatthe SSID name associated with the wireless access point 105-2 has beenchanged from NAME #1 to NAME #2.

Thus, in response to detecting a change to configuration settingsassociated with a respective first communication resource in asubscriber domain, the configuration management resource 140automatically synchronizes one or more other communication resources inthe subscriber domain 150-1 in accordance with settings applied to thefirst communication resource.

Note that auto-synchronization according to embodiments herein is notlimited to synchronizing network names. For example, the user 108-1 canspecify to make modifications to other types of configuration settingsinformation such as password information, security mode information,channel setting information, etc.

In a similar manner as previously discussed, any changes to respectiveconfiguration settings (e.g., password information, security modeinformation, channel setting information, etc.) of communicationresources in subscriber domain 150-1 are forwarded over sharedcommunication link 191 to configuration management resource 140. Theconfiguration management resource 140 processes the receivedcommunications indicating the updated configuration settings to identifyone or more other communication resources whose configuration settingsare to be updated.

Note that automatic configuration of configuration settings is notlimited to setting the configuration settings associated with each ofmultiple different communication resources to the exact same settings.In one embodiment, the user 108-1 can initiate changing a setting ofparticular channels used by the wireless access point 105-2 tocommunicate in subscriber domain 150-1. In a manner as previouslydiscussed, the wireless access point 105-2 notifies configurationmanagement resource 140 of the change to the wireless channel setting.In response to receiving the notification of modifying configurationsettings associated with the wireless access point 105-2, theconfiguration management resource 140 initiates communications overshared communication link 191 and communication interface 145 to changewireless channel settings associated with access point 105-1. Because ofthe possibility of interference if both wireless access points 105 usethe same wireless vacation channels, instead of choosing the exact samechannels that were selected for use by the wireless access point 105-2,the configuration management resource selects complementary wirelesschannels (such as channels that use a different carrier frequency) thatare not used by the wireless access point 105-2. The configurationmanagement resource 140 notifies the wireless access point 105-1 to usethe complementary wireless channels.

Thus, in a specific instance, the user 108-1 may configure the wirelessaccess point 105-2 to use channel #1. In such an instance, tosynchronize the wireless access point 105, the configuration managementresource 140 notifies the wireless access point 105-1 to usenon-interfering channel #2.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating a configuration notificationindicating auto-synchronization according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, subsequent to updating configuration settings 121-2associated with wireless access point 105-2, any of one or more suitableresources (such as configuration management resource 140, wirelessaccess point 105-1, communication interface 145, wireless access point105-2, etc.) can be configured to notify the user 108-1, viaconfiguration notification 410, that the configuration settings appliedto a particular communication resource such as wireless access point105-1 have been used as a basis to update at least one othercommunication resource in the subscriber domain 150-1. To view furtherdetails associated with the update, the respective user 108 can click onlink 420.

In this particular example, the configuration management resource 140 orother suitable resource transmits configuration notification 410 to user108-1 for display on display screen 130. The user 108-1 can click onlink 420. Clicking on link 420 will cause the graphical user interface125 to display further details such as that the new configurationsettings (NAME #2) initially applied to wireless access point 105-1 alsohas been applied to wireless access point 105-2.

FIG. 6 and example diagram illustrating updating of configurationinformation associated with a subscriber domain according to embodimentsherein.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, the subscriber domain 150-1can be updated to include another communication resource such as a thirdwireless access point. In one embodiment, in response to detectinginstallation of a new wireless access point such as a third wirelessaccess point in subscriber domain 150-1, the configuration managementresource 140 can be configured to utilize stored settings associatedwith another wireless access point in the subscriber domain 150-1 toconfigure the new wireless access point.

More specifically, assume that the user 108-1 or other party such as atechnician employed by the cable network service provider installs anadditional wireless access point 105-3 in subscriber domain 150-1. Theinstaller provides connectivity such as a hardwired link between thewireless access point 105-3 (such as assigned network address ABBB) andcommunication interface 145.

Initially, assume that the new wireless access point 105-3 is notconfigured and needs to be synchronized with the existing wirelessaccess points 105-1 and 105-2 such that the combination of wirelessaccess points 105-1, 105-2, and 105-3 are part of the same wirelessnetwork in subscriber domain 150-1.

In one embodiment, upon installation of wireless access point 105-3, thewireless access point 105-3 communicates through communication interface145 over network 190 to configuration management resource 140. In asimilar manner as previously discussed, such as using network addressinformation associated with the received communications from thewireless access point 105-3, the configuration manager resource 140 isable to determine that the wireless access point 105-3 is being newlyinstalled in subscriber domain 150-1. To synchronize settings of the newwireless access point 105-3, the configuration management resource 140accesses the subscriber information 160 and corresponding configurationinformation 170-1 associated with the subscriber domain 150-1 todetermine appropriate settings to apply to the new wireless access point105-3.

In one embodiment, the configuration manager resource 140 accessesconfiguration settings 321-1 (associated with wireless access point105-1) and/or configuration settings 321-2 (associated with wirelessaccess point 105-2) from repository 180. The configuration managementresource 140 then communicates settings such as an appropriate SSIDname, password information, wireless security settings, etc., retrievedor derived from the configuration settings 321-1 and/or 321-2 to thenewly installed wireless access point 105-3. The newly installedwireless access point 105-3 configures itself using the configurationsettings received from the configuration management resource 140.

Accordingly, the newly installed communication resource can beautomatically configured in accordance with pre-existing configurationsettings associated with other communication resources in the subscriberdomain 150-1.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating an alternative manner in whichto update configuration settings according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the user 108-1 operates communication device420-1 such as a computer to communicate with server resource 752. Assumein this example embodiment that the user 108-1 operates the graphicaluser interface 425 (such as a browser) displayed on display screen 430of communication device 420-1 to retrieve a management webpage fromserver resource 752. Via communications over communication link 428-1,the server resource 752 populates graphical user interface 425 ondisplay screen 430 with the requested management webpage. The managementwebpage enables the respective user 108-1 to modify settings associatedwith any of one or more resources in subscriber domain 150-1.

Assume in this example embodiment that the user 108-1, via graphicaluser interface 425, provides a new configuration setting for applicationto both a first communication resource and a second communicationresource in the subscriber domain 150-1. More specifically, assume thatthe user 108-1 initiates a change of a respective SSID name associatedwith one or more of the wireless access points 105 in subscriber domain150-1. As previously discussed, both wireless access point 105-1 andwireless access point 105-2 are part of the same wireless network andinitially have the same SSID name of NAME #1.

In this example embodiment, the user 108-1 provides an input command(communications 410-1) to communication device 420-1 to change the nameof the wireless network from SSID name of NAME #1 to NAME #2. Inaccordance of the input command, via communications 410-1, thecommunication device 420-1 notifies server resource 752 of the change ofconfiguration settings. Server resource 752 forwards the requestedchange to configuration settings as communications 410-2 toconfiguration management resource 140. Via communications 410-3, theconfiguration management resource 140 accesses the subscriberinformation 160 and configuration information 170 in repository 180 toupdate configuration settings associated with subscriber domain 150-1.Further, a similar manner as previously discussed, via communications410-4, the configuration management resource 140 communicates with bothwireless access point 105-1 and wireless access point 105-2, initiatinga change of the name of NAME #1 and NAME #2 in accordance with therequest received from user 108-1. In accordance with the instructions inthe communications 410-4, the wireless access point 105-1 updatesconfiguration settings 121-1 to indicate that the new name is NAME #2.Similarly, in accordance with the instructions in the communications410-4, the wireless access point 105-2 updates configuration settings121-2 to indicate that its new name is NAME #2.

FIG. 8 is an example block diagram of a computer device for implementingany of the operations as discussed herein according to embodimentsherein.

In one embodiment, one or more computers implement the configurationmanagement resource 140 (such as an auto-configuration server) andcorresponding operations as discussed herein. As shown, computer system850 of the present example includes an interconnect 811, a processor 813(such as one or more processor devices, computer processor hardware,etc.), computer readable storage medium 812 (such as hardware storage tostore instructions, data, information, etc.), I/O interface 814, andcommunications interface 817.

Interconnect 811 provides connectivity amongst processor 813, computerreadable storage media 812, I/O interface 814, and communicationinterface 817.

I/O interface 814 provides connectivity to a repository 180 and, ifpresent, other devices such as a playback device, display screen, inputresource 892, a computer mouse, etc.

Computer readable storage medium 812 (such as a non-transitory hardwaremedium) can be any suitable hardware storage resource or device such asmemory, optical storage, hard drive, rotating disk, etc. In oneembodiment, the computer readable storage medium 812 stores instructionsexecuted by processor 813. Communications interface 817 enables thecomputer system 850 and processor 813 to communicate over a resourcesuch as network 190 to retrieve information from remote sources andcommunicate with other computers. I/O interface 814 enables processor813 executing configuration management application 140-1 to retrievestored information such as from repository 180.

As shown, computer readable storage media 812 is encoded withconfiguration management application 140-1 (e.g., software, firmware,etc.) executed by processor 813 (hardware). Configuration managementapplication 140-1 can be configured to include instructions to implementany of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 813 (e.g., computerprocessor hardware) accesses computer readable storage media 812 via theuse of interconnect 811 in order to launch, run, execute, interpret orotherwise perform the instructions in the configuration managementapplication 140-1 stored on computer readable storage medium 812.

Execution of the configuration management application 140-1 producesprocessing functionality such as configuration management process 140-2in processor 813. In other words, the configuration management process140-2 associated with processor 813 represents one or more aspects ofexecuting configuration management application 140-1 within or upon theprocessor 813 in the computer system 850.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 850can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to execute configuration management application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system maybe any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, awireless access point, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, awireless device, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop,notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheldcomputer, workstation, network computer, application server, storagedevice, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, settop box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device,a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general anytype of computing or electronic device. The computer system 850 and itsparts may reside at any of one or more locations or can be included inany suitable one or more resource in network environment 100 toimplement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIGS. 9 and 10 . Note that the steps in the flowchartsbelow can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing block 910, the configuration management resource 140receives a communication (such as via communications 110-2) transmittedthrough a communication interface 145 of a subscriber domain 150-1. Thecommunication indicates occurrence of a modification of a configurationsetting associated with a first wireless access point 105-1 disposed inthe subscriber domain 150-1.

In processing block 920, the configuration management resource 140 mapsan identity of the first wireless access point 105-1 to an identity of asecond wireless access point 105-2, which is also disposed in thesubscriber domain. In one embodiment, mapping an identity of the firstwireless access point 105-1 to the identity of the second wirelessaccess point 105-2 includes: processing the received message (such ascommunications 110-2) to retrieve network address information; utilizingthe network address information in the communications 110-2 to identifythat the message (medications 110-2) was transmitted through thecommunication interface 145 of the subscriber domain 150-1; andaccessing configuration information 170-1 associated with a subscriberdomain 150-1. The configuration information 170-1 indicates that thesecond wireless access point 105-2 is disposed in the subscriber domain150-1 along with wireless access point 105-1. The configurationinformation 170-1 can further indicate that settings associated with thewireless access point 105-1 are to be synchronized with settings of thewireless access point 105-2. In processing block 930, the configurationmanagement resource 140 initiates configuration of the second wirelessaccess point 105-2 in accordance with the configuration setting appliedto the first wireless access point 105-1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart 1000 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing block 1010, the configuration management resource 140receives a communication (such as via communications 110-2) indicating anew configuration setting. In one non-limiting example embodiment, arespective user 108-1 applies the new configuration setting to a firstwireless access point 105-1 in the subscriber domain 150-1. Theconfiguration management resource 140 receives the communication fromsubscriber domain 150-1 over a communication link 191 shared by multiplesubscriber domains to access network 190.

In processing block 1020, the configuration manager resource 140accesses subscriber information 160 assigned to the subscriber domain150-1. The configuration management resource 140 maps the subscriberinformation to configuration information associated with the subscriberdomain 150-1. Via the configuration information 170-1 associated withsubscriber domain 150-1, the configuration management resource 140identifies that the particular subscriber domain 150-1 includes a firstcommunication resource (such as a first wireless access point 105-1) anda second communication resource (such as a second wireless access point105-2).

In processing block 1030, the configuration management resource 140synchronizes configuration settings 121-1 of the first communicationresource and configuration settings 121-2 of the second communicationresource in accordance with the new configuration setting.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to automaticallysynchronize configuration settings of communication resources in asubscriber domain. However, it should be noted that embodiments hereinare not limited to use in such applications and that the techniquesdiscussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While one or more inventions have been particularly shown and describedwith references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent application as defined by the appended claims. Such variationsare intended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a communication transmittedthrough a communication interface of a subscriber domain, thecommunication indicating modification of a configuration settingassociated with a first wireless access point disposed in the subscriberdomain; mapping an identity of the first wireless access point to anidentity of a second wireless access point in the subscriber domain;initiating configuration of the second wireless access point inaccordance with the configuration setting; and wherein both the firstwireless access point and the second wireless access point communicatethrough the communication interface to provide mobile communicationdevices in the subscriber domain access to a remote network through ashared communication link coupled to the communication interface.
 2. Themethod as in claim 1 further comprising: registering the configurationsetting as being associated with the first wireless access point in thesubscriber domain.
 3. The method as in claim 2, wherein initiatingconfiguration of the second wireless access point includes transmittingthe configuration setting over a network and through the communicationinterface in the subscriber domain to the second wireless access point.4. The method as in claim 1, wherein assigning the configuration settingto the second wireless access point includes: transmitting an updatecommand over the shared communication link through the communicationinterface to the second wireless access point, the update commandmodifying a network name assigned to the second wireless access point.5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the configuration setting is anattribute selected from the group consisting of: an SSID, passwordinformation, security mode information, and channel setting information.6. The method as in claim 1, wherein the configuration setting is a newname applied to the first wireless access point.
 7. The method as inclaim 6, wherein the communication indicates application of the new nameto the first wireless access point.
 8. The method as in claim 7, whereininitiating configuration of the second wireless access point inaccordance with the configuration setting includes changing a name of awireless network provided by the second wireless access point to the newnetwork name.
 9. The method as in claim 1, wherein the configurationsetting controls remote network access through the through the firstwireless access point.
 10. The method as in claim 1, wherein thecommunication indicates application of the configuration setting appliedto the first wireless access point disposed in the subscriber domain.11. The method as in claim 1, wherein the communication indicates thatthe configuration setting applied to the first wireless access point haschanged.
 12. The method as in claim 1, wherein the identity of thesecond wireless access point is a network address assigned to the secondwireless access point.
 13. A method comprising: receiving acommunication transmitted through a communication interface of asubscriber domain, the communication indicating modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access point inthe subscriber domain; mapping an identity of the first wireless accesspoint to an identity of a second wireless access point in the subscriberdomain; and initiating configuration of the second wireless, accesspoint in accordance with the configuration setting; wherein mapping theidentity of the first wireless access point to the second wirelessaccess point comprises: processing the received communication toretrieve network address information; utilizing the network addressinformation to identify that the communication was transmitted throughthe communication interface of the subscriber domain; and accessingconfiguration information associated with the subscriber domain, theconfiguration information indicating that the second wireless accesspoint is disposed in the subscriber domain.
 14. The method as in claim13, wherein both the first wireless access point and the second wirelessaccess point communicate through the communication interface of thesubscriber domain to provide mobile communication devices in thesubscriber domain access to a remote network through a sharedcommunication link.
 15. The method as in claim 14, wherein initiatingconfiguration of the second wireless access point further comprises:transmitting a communication over the shared communication link throughthe communication interface of the subscriber domain to the secondwireless access point, the communication including the configurationsetting, the communication indicating to configure the second wirelessaccess point using the configuration setting.
 16. A method comprising:receiving a communication transmitted through a communication interfaceof a subscriber domain the communication indicating modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access pointdisposed in the subscriber domain; mapping an identity of the firstwireless access point to an identity of a second wireless access pointin the subscriber domain; and initiating configuration of the secondwireless access point in accordance with the configuration setting;wherein receiving the communication transmitted through thecommunication interface further comprises receiving the communicationfrom a web browser executing on a computer device operated by a user inthe subscriber domain, the web browser in communication with thecommunication interface over a communication link other than through thefirst wireless access point or the second wireless access point.
 17. Amethod comprising: receiving a communication transmitted through acommunication interface of a subscriber domain, the communicationindication modification of a configuration setting associated with afirst wireless access point disposed in the subscriber domain; mappingan identity of the first wireless access point to an identity of asecond wireless access point in the subscriber domain; and initiatingconfiguration of the second wireless access point in accordance with theconfiguration setting; the method further comprising: detecting presenceof the first wireless access point in the subscriber domain based uponreceipt of communications transmitted from the first wireless accesspoint through the communication interface; and detecting presence of thesecond wireless access point in the subscriber domain based upon receiptof communications transmitted from the second wireless access pointthrough the communication interface.
 18. A system comprising: computerprocessor hardware controlling configuration management in a subscriberdomain, the computer processor hardware operative to: receive acommunication transmitted through a communication interface of thesubscriber domain, the communication indicating modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access pointdisposed in the subscriber domain; map an identity of the first wirelessaccess point to an identity of a second wireless access point alsodisposed in the subscriber domain; and initiate configuration of thesecond wireless access point in accordance with the configurationsetting; wherein the computer processor hardware is further operative:detect presence of the first wireless access point in the subscriberdomain based upon receipt of first communications transmitted from thefirst wireless access point through the communication interface; anddetect presence of the second wireless access point in the subscriberdomain based upon receipt of second communications transmitted from thesecond wireless access point through the communication interface. 19.The system as in claim 18, wherein the computer processor hardware isfurther operative to: register the configuration setting as beingassociated with the first wireless access point in the subscriberdomain.
 20. The system as in claim 19, wherein the computer processorhardware is further operative to: transmit the configuration settingover a network and through the communication interface in the subscriberdomain to the second wireless access point.
 21. The system as in claim18, wherein the computer processor hardware is further operative to:transmit an update command over a shared communication link in a cablenetwork through the communication interface to the second wirelessaccess point.
 22. The system as in claim 18, wherein the configurationsetting is an attribute selected from the group consisting of: an SSID,password information, security mode information, and channel settinginformation.
 23. The system as in claim 18, wherein the computerprocessor hardware is further operative to: process the receivedcommunication to retrieve network address information; utilize thenetwork address information to identify that the communication wastransmitted through the communication interface of the subscriberdomain; and access configuration information associated with thesubscriber domain, the configuration information indicating that thesecond wireless access point is disposed in the subscriber domain. 24.The system as in claim 23, wherein both the first wireless access pointand the second wireless access point communicate through thecommunication interface of the subscriber domain to provide mobilecommunication devices in the subscriber domain access to a remotenetwork through a shared communication link.
 25. The system as in claim24, wherein the communication is a first communication; and wherein thecomputer processor hardware is further operative to: transmit a secondcommunication over the shared communication link through thecommunication interface of the subscriber domain to the second wirelessaccess point, the second communication including the configurationsetting, the second communication indicating to configure the secondwireless access point using the configuration setting.
 26. The system asin claim 18, wherein the computer processor hardware is furtheroperative to: receive the communication from a web browser executing ona computer device operated by a user in the subscriber domain, the webbrowser in communication with the communication interface over acommunication link other than through the first wireless access point orthe second wireless access point.
 27. A method comprising: receiving acommunication transmitted through a communication interface of asubscriber domain, the communication indicating modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access pointdisposed in the subscribe domain; mapping an identity of the firstwireless access point to an identity of a second wireless access pointin the subscriber domain; and initiating configuration of the secondwireless access point in accordance with the configuration setting;wherein initiating configuration of the second wireless access pointfurther comprises: transmitting an update command through thecommunication interface of the subscriber domain to the second wirelessaccess point, the update command including the configuration setting,the update command indicating to configure the second wireless accesspoint using the configuration setting.
 28. A method comprising:receiving a communication transmitted through a communication interfaceof a subscriber domain, the communication indicating modification of aconfiguration setting associated with a first wireless access pointdisposed in the subscriber domain; mapping an identity of the firstwireless access point to an identity of a second wireless access pointin the subscriber domain; and initiating configuration of the secondwireless access point in accordance with the configuration setting;wherein the first wireless access point provides a first mobilecommunication device wireless connectivity to a remote network; andwherein the second wireless access point provides a second mobilecommunication device wireless connectivity to the remote network.
 29. Amethod comprising: receiving a communication transmitted through acommunication interface of a subscriber domain, the communicationindicating modification of a configuration setting associated with afirst wireless access point disposed in the subscriber domain; mappingan identity of the first wireless access point to an identity of asecond wireless access point in the subscriber domain; and initiatingconfiguration of the second wireless access point in accordance with theconfiguration setting, the method further comprising: in response toapplying the configuration setting to the second wireless access point,providing an auto-synchronization notification message to a userassociated with the subscriber domain, the auto-synchronizationnotification message notifying the user that the configuration settingwas automatically applied to the second wireless access point inresponse to the modification.